I am new to this news group, but very interested in anything to do with middle school art education. I teach art in New Brunswick, Canada to "junior high" students (grades 7,8,9). Next year we will become a middle school (grades 6,7,8). I would be interested in knowing how the middle school philosophy as well as teacher teams, interdisciplinary teaching, common planning time etc.. affect the art program. I am also working on my MEd in art education, and specifically interested in cognitive development through art making. I really enjoy getting good quality work from my students and I maintain that its because they have to use their brain! I try to stress that inorder to create a successful piece of art work you need think creatively, plann carefully, make predictions, judgements, find the right techniques with materials, overcome problems etc. Nothing wonderful comes from just a little bit of effort and thinking. Thanks for your post and I would love to hear more discussion about teaching art in the middle school...Lynn Carr (Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada)